New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/2 chapters)
Homecoming Anxiety
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As I woke up, morning sunlight shone in from the window. It was a small, cramped room, but I liked it. Back when this place was still the hideout of Liberta, this room had been used by the boy Jack, a member of the group. In total, he had probably lived there for about half a year. It was a short period, but it had been the first place given to me as my own room. That was why it felt very calming.
When I strained my ears, I could hear the sound of something being cooked on a frying pan from downstairs. Lifting my head and peering out the window, outside, a red-haired man and a red-haired little girl were doing muscle training and sprinting. It seemed I overslept already.
Shamelessly, Shia and I ended up living together in this house. Eventually, we had to contribute to the living expenses, or even though they were former comrades, the couple wouldn’t be too pleased. I needed to find work soon.
That day couldn’t be helped. I was tired, and besides, I had stayed up late the night before organizing the room. Since I had sold off all but my favorite books and magic tools that I had bought in the labyrinth city of Azarigrad, their number had decreased, but they were still important to me, so I arranged them on the small built-in bookshelf. The History and Culture of Azarigrad was the heaviest.
Then, I picked up the necklace from the bedside table. I felt uneasy if I let go of it. Three overlapping circular chakrams, large, medium, and small. As they rotated, they generated a sphere. It was the powerless Rhizomata Volga. I had gotten Sylphid-sama’s approval to bring it back, but I wondered if it was okay. Moreover, I also had to search for that one, the goddess Kea, who seemed to have been the source of its magic power. I wondered if Alfred and Lindsay knew anything about it.
As soon as I went downstairs to the first floor, I ran into Alfred and Rinalee. They seemed to have just returned from training. Both father and daughter were sweating nicely.
“Ah! Hentai Stalker Onii-chan!” (Rinalee)
“What?! Where’s that kind of dangerous person?!” (Jack)
“Here!” (Rinalee)
Rinalee pointed at my sleepy-eyed self with her small finger.
At this point, it was too much trouble to deny it.
“Rinalee, this guy isn’t a hentai stalker… He’s Jack, an important comrade of mine. Call him Jack or Onii-chan.” (Alfred)
“But he saw my panties!” (Rinalee)
Hearing that, Alfred compared me and Rinalee, then let out a big sigh.
“Rinalee… Men have something called romance. In Jack’s case, it just happened to be panties. You shouldn’t call him a hentai for something like that. Call him a romanticist instead.” (Alfred)
“Romanticist? Seeing panties is romance?” (Rinalee)
“For Jack, it is. So, from today, let’s name you ‘The One Who Pursues the Unknown Armor (Pantser) (Romanticist)’.” (Alfred)
“Pantser? Papa, that sounds cool!” (Rinalee)
Alfred, is the alcohol from last night still in your system? I mean, do you seriously not care that your daughter’s panties were seen?! And while Rinalee says it’s cool, she’s still furrowing her brows and looking at me with suspicion. Well, whatever. I’ll just endure it, thinking of it as being made into a laughingstock to strengthen their father-daughter bond.
“By the way, Fred, I have something to ask you.” (Jack)
“…If it’s about Lindsay’s panties, that’s off-limits.” (Alfred)
“I’m not asking about that!” (Jack)
Stop dragging the panties thing out already.
“It’s about Kea. Do you know where Kea is?” (Jack)
The Goddess Kea was captured by Paradise Cyans. To rescue her, we fought. In the end, I was defeated in a certain sense and thrown into the sea, but I don’t know what happened after that—whether the battle or the rescue of the goddess succeeded. Alfred should have been concerned about it too.
Where did the Goddess go?
However…
“Kea………?” (Alfred)
He gave an unexpected response.
“What, is this another woman besides Shia? You’re quite the player.” (Alfred)
“No, Kea is Kea! The Goddess Kea! She lived here with us for a little while, remember?” (Jack)
“…” (Alfred)
Alfred looked stunned, then folded his arms and began to ponder.
Why is he reacting like that?
“You mean the Goddess Kea, the one worshipped by the Melpeque Church…?” (Alfred)
“Yeah, that Goddess! Do you know where she is?” (Jack)
“Hah, how would I know that? I don’t even think she ‘actually exists’.” (Alfred)
“Eh…” (Jack)
What is this? He doesn’t remember at all. Isn’t that seriously strange?
After that, I explained in detail what Kea looked like, but he only laughed it off, saying, “Save your sleep talk for when you’re actually sleeping”. On top of that, the purpose of the Paradise Cyans assault had been rewritten that our mission had only been to rescue a large number of children. The rescue of Kea had never existed.
…It contradicts my memory. Did the Goddess use her power to erase herself?
I had an intuition that was the case.
—
There were times when things require momentum. It could be said that “Leave it for tomorrow, and you’re a fool.” If one kept thinking “I can always do it later,” he would never know when that later would actually come.
I was well aware of that. So, I decided to do today what I could do today. When things are moving, it was best to keep them rolling. And so, I decided to stop by my real “home.”
Moreover, alone. No one was accompanying me. It might have been too fast, considering it was just yesterday, but I felt that I could do it now. I had that confidence and certainty. Before I lost that confidence, I should go.
I arrived at Barwitch on foot. It was about half a day’s journey from Soltaire. On the way, I ate the sandwich Lindsay made for me, relaxed my mind, and mentally prepared myself.
It’s okay, it’s okay. Even if my father or brother bombard me with magic, I can nullify magic with my power. I have nothing to fear.
I arrived at Barwitch in the early afternoon. Due to the season, it was cold even at midday.
If I recall correctly, the Aldridge estate should be in the eastern district, where I usually don’t go. The eastern district is across a small river. The Stride Household’s estate is also here. I didn’t come to see Irene, but my body instinctively tensed up. This is already that family’s territory. If I run into them, I might get kidnapped and locked up in the Stride house, bringing my adventure to an abrupt end.
As expected from a district where nobles had their estates, there were very few people around. Those walking were mostly attendants, servants, maids, and butlers. There was no way the bigwigs would be leisurely strolling outside.
I cautiously walked along the street where the servants of the noble rulers tread, turning corners and going straight, relying on my memory to find the Aldridge Household estate. I was looked at with strange eyes by passersby. Anyone would be suspicious if they saw a young man with tattoos on his cheek staring around in a place like this. So, it couldn’t be helped. As long as the guards weren’t called, that was fine.
“…” (Jack)
There was no doubt about it. Compared to other noble estates, the grounds were especially large. The black gate and outer wall were scenes I had seen many times from the inside as a child. It was said to be a family of magical nobility, but in terms of rank, they were apparently the highest in the town. As a result, the land they owned was also the most vast.
I stood in front of the black gate.
Perhaps I should just break this gate down. Invade and wreak havoc, giving the Aldridge Household a devastating blow as if for revenge. Then, barge in, show my strength, and shout, “The child you abandoned has grown this splendidly! Hya-ha!” and have a refreshing revenge…!
No, that’s nonsense. I don’t have any such vengeful feelings. What I want to know is the answer. Why did I have to be abandoned? Isaiah Aldridge… If you have even the slightest bit of fatherly love, would you be able to abandon your 10-year-old child? I’ve seen the fathers of my peers. So now, I can see that abnormality.
I placed my hand on the lever-type door knocker of the gate.
If the gate is black, this door knocker is also black and shining. Because it’s lever-type, if you pull and release it, it will stretch and shrink with a spring, making a sound that echoes.
I pulled it and released it.
A strange sound like Viiiiiinn echoed from the door knocker. The vibration’s tone echoed far more than I had expected.
Whoa, this is bad! Run!
For some reason, I instinctively thought this and tried to run away. It felt like I had done something I shouldn’t. A sense of fear that if I stayed here, I would die.
No, wait, wait, if I run now, I’ll really just be playing around.
I somehow managed to stop myself at that spot.
As always, I’m emotionally unstable in everything I do, but that’s what being human is. Even I have my own trauma. I’d like to be appreciated for this stubbornness in trying to face it head-on with just momentum.
“Who is it?” (Butler)
Just as I was trembling from my emotional instability, caught in a conflict with my trauma and self-questioning, the peephole in the gate was suddenly opened, and someone peeked their eyes through. It was probably one of the butlers or servants. An elderly man. I didn’t recognize him.
“…Is this a prank?” (Butler)
“No.” (Jack)
“Hmm, I see… then once more. Who is it?” (Butler)
The bulging eyes moved around, and the gaze focused on me. Mainly, it was focused on my right cheek.
“…It’s Third Junior.” (Jack)
“…” (Butler)
The bulging eyes seemed to widen just a little, really just a moment. But that was just a moment, and the butler remained calm as if he hadn’t heard anything.
“Who are you?” (Butler)
“Isaiah Aldridge Third Junior.” (Jack)
“…” (Butler)
I said the “password” clearly and slowly again. Something seemed to rise up in my throat. My vision also became blurry.
“Master only has two sons.” (Butler)
“…There was a third. That’s me.” (Jack)
Eyes met eyes, and a stare-off battle began.
“No, such a person does not exist.” (Butler)
“…I’m here.” (Jack)
“Please leave.” (Butler)
“Let me see Isaiah once.” (Jack)
“Absolutely not. Please leave.” (Butler)
Before he could say that, the peephole was slammed shut. A cold wind howled, piercing through from the side.
“…” (Jack)
I did my best. I think I did my best. Before I knew it, my legs were shaking. And my throat was completely dry, tears trickling down from the corner of my eyes.
Trauma is something that, no matter how much time passes, no matter how strong you become, it seems difficult to overcome. I’m glad I wasn’t taken seriously. There’s a part of me that feels a little relieved. I think deep down, I’m glad I didn’t meet Isaiah. No good. I was thoroughly defeated this time. I should go home.
—
Just as I was about to turn around and leave the Aldridge Household estate,
I sensed a presence above me. Just for a moment.
“Who is it…?” (Jack)
I hurriedly looked around, but there was no one. It wasn’t like I was attacked suddenly. I traced the faint trace of that presence, but it was futile. It was such a small presence that I almost thought I had misjudged it. It felt like someone was watching from far above, but it wasn’t directed at me. It seemed like a watchful eye directed at the Aldridge Household estate.
Is someone snooping around this house? They’re the most powerful noble in the commercial town. It wouldn’t be strange if assassins were after their sweet spot.
It’s probably nothing new, and the Aldridge Household has been a major noble in this town for years. They must have countermeasures in place.
—
Since I had come all the way to Barwitch, I decided to stop by the instrument shop for a change of mood. I wanted to relive the good days with Medna-san. I didn’t come to Barwitch just for instruments. I haven’t even gone to the Eastern District or visited my family.
Let’s just say it’s for that. Forget about today.
*Clang, clang.*
As I entered the instrument shop, a loud bell rang out. When I was startled and turned back to the entrance of the store, the other customers were giggling at my flustered state. It seemed that it had been revealed that I was not accustomed to this store.
How embarrassing. It’s been a day full of misfortune.
I took a deep breath and looked around the store. The two-story building was small and had an open ceiling, with stringed instruments such as lutes, mandolins, and violas hanging from the second-floor railing. Also, flutes, chalumeaux, and fifes were propped up in the shelves. Drums and keyboard instruments were lined up on the floor as if they were displayed.
As expected of an urban instrument shop. It’s spacious!
“…Amazing.” (Jack)
I gasped and was intoxicated by the stylish atmosphere.
Musicians and bards are generally stylish beings. They are highly valued by politicians, nobles, commoners, merchants, adventurers, warriors, and knights. Everyone seeks healing in the sound they play. The atmosphere inside this store seems to combine both the solemnity of a library and the festive joy of a celebration to match that.
When I asked the shopkeeper, it turned out that the fife Medna-san had been playing skillfully was 20,000 gold, which was cheap, but apparently, it was for advanced players among flutes. Also, keyboard instruments were generally expensive, and the market price was about 2 million gold. 2 million gold meant 20 million solidos in Solido currency. That was beyond the “Demon Banishment Shield”.
“Heh… so expensive…” (Jack)
“Keyboard instruments have many melodies. If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with a lute.” (Shopkeeper)
Even the lute I was introduced to was 50,000 gold. It seemed that the path of music requires money.
“Well, I’ll take that for now.” (Jack)
How pathetic. I want to be rich enough one day to say, “I’ll buy the whole store”.
While the shopkeeper was packing the lute, I looked at various instruments. The tall shelves lined up reminded me of a bookstore or library. With such a good selection, this store must be doing well.
Bards were often admired by the townspeople due to their star-like qualities. They formed music groups, held concert events, got invited to noble or royal parties, and acted as mood enhancers, earning vast amounts of income. In my case, the first impression of a bard’s group was very bad, though.
As I thought about such things while picking up and looking at instruments, I saw the figures of a certain trio deep in the narrow passage. They seemed to blend into the darkness. They were exactly in the shadow, and visibility was poor. Customers who visit such stores are often individuals, so a group like this was rare.
Could they be members of some band?
I thought, and when I glanced over, I focused on their unusual combination. One was a tall, slender blonde woman. Her long, straight hair highlighted her seductive appearance. Next to her stood another woman. She was about my height. Her short, fluffy hair had curled horns. I wondered if they were hair accessories or if it was a trait of her species. And the most unusual thing was the tall man standing quietly behind the two women. His black long hair and tight, pitch-black light armor exuded a mysterious atmosphere.
Despite the dim, peaceful shop, he was wearing a visor-like helmet that covered his face. The scabbard of a longsword was visible at his waist. He was no bard. The atmosphere he gave off was that of an assassin. Even I, when coming to a store like that, left all weapons except for a small knife. There was no need to carry weapons since I could create them instantly, but still, it felt unsettling. The manners had been bad.
“…” (Jack)
As I got curious and moved a little closer to the trio, the blonde woman seemed to notice me. The three of them swiftly turned around the corner of the shelf together. As if to escape.
Could it be theft?
Getting more suspicious, I chased after the trio and quickly turned the corner of the shelf to follow them. If they were criminals, I wouldn’t let them escape. This narrow store would give them away if they hurriedly fled, and there was no sign of them running away. I should catch up quickly if I turned the corner…
“Huh?” (Jack)
But, when I turned the corner, there was no one to be found. Only deep shadows remained, with no trace that there had been any other customers. There was no sound of the noisy bell at the store entrance either. There was no flurry of activity as if the customers had run away. It was as if they had evaporated. The trio had disappeared.
After picking up the lute packed in a special case, I searched the store thoroughly. But there was no sign of the trio, and there were only individual customers. When I went outside, there were too many people, so it was impossible to continue searching. Before I knew it, the day was starting to lean toward evening. I had to return to Soltaire to make it in time for dinner. It would be rude not to have them prepare it, so for now, I decided to head home today.
When I calmly thought about it, I felt like I might have some idea about the trio.
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